Family Photo Paintings
A continuing series of work painting family photos of my ancestors, specifically family members directly affected by the Armenian/Assyrian/Greek Genocide of 1915. I interview family members about the photos and collect both oral histories and record Assyrian faces as way of preserving contemporary Assyrian culture.
Grandpa, why didn't you think of me when you were running away from your past? | Acrylic on Canvas | 63x66 in. | 2018
History seeps through the cracks: a reflection on unsuccessful assimilation | Acrylic on canvas | 85x68 in. | 2018
"I was young. I overheard a conversation between my aunt and my mother. 'More Assyrians are moving into the neighborhood.' 'Are they light?' and I knew there was a right answer to that question. And I knew I was dark." | Acrylic on canvas | 64x73 in. | 2018
First Portrait in America | Acrylic on canvas | 64x80 in. | 2018
"Swear you're not hiding Christians?" c. 1915 | Acrylic on canvas | 77x123 in. | 2018
"....and he shall be American and his name shall be Scott" | Acrylic on canvas | 60x63 in. | 2019
"Refugees ruined Sweden" | Acrylic on Canvas | 72x70 in. | 2018
Baba ou baba goura | 54x48 in. | Acrylic on canvas | 2020
Baba ou baba goura | 54x48 in. | Acrylic on canvas | 2020
"....and he shall be American and his name shall be Scott" | Acrylic on canvas | 60x63 in. | 2019
History seeps through the cracks: a reflection on unsuccessful assimilation | Acrylic on canvas | 85x68 in. | 2018
"Refugees ruined Sweden" | Acrylic on Canvas | 72x70 in. | 2018
"I was young. I overheard a conversation between my aunt and my mother. 'More Assyrians are moving into the neighborhood.' 'Are they light?' and I knew there was a right answer to that question. And I knew I was dark." | Acrylic on canvas | 64x73 in. | 2018
"Swear you're not hiding Christians?" c. 1915 | Acrylic on canvas | 77x123 in. | 2018
First Portrait in America | Acrylic on canvas | 64x80 in. | 2018
Grandpa, why didn't you think of me when you were running away from your past? | Acrylic on Canvas | 63x66 in. | 2018
The portraits are painted in bright fantastic colors that speak to the reproduction of the memory. In collecting oral histories, my ancestors are spoken about with reverence, as characters of fantastic family folklores.